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Dispersed Camping

Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site, near Gunnison, Colorado, is a rugged spot that offers a unique camping experience amidst stunning natural beauty. With a variety of sites scattered across the area, you can find your own little slice of wilderness, perfect for pitching a tent or parking your RV.

This location is popular for its wide-open spaces and striking rock formations, making it a great base for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading. Visitors have noted the abundance of trails and the chance to explore the landscape, with one camper describing it as “the surface of the moon” due to its unique terrain. While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the freedom to camp without reservations and the allowance for pets make it a favorite among those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Keep in mind that it can get busy, especially during peak seasons, so be prepared for some noise from nearby off-highway vehicles. Some campers have mentioned the need to drive around a bit to find an open site, but many appreciate the spaciousness and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. If you're after a basic, adventurous camping experience with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, Hartman’s Rocks is worth checking out.

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Location

Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Gunnison take Hwy 50 west. On the edge of town, before you cross the Gunnison River, turn left on the Gold Basin Road (Cty Rd. 38). Proceed around the west end of the airport runway for a total of 2.8 miles to the Hartman Rocks entrance which is marked by a sign.

Coordinates

38.50383203 N
106.95186118 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/30/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/30/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2025

So busy, had to leave

Was drawn to this campsite from the cool photos and proximity to Gunnison. Circled for 45 minutes before leaving to find someplace else before it got dark. Many labeled campsites on the map, such as KH6, were turned into day use areas (no camping allowed) which was confusing. We were able to drive around some of the roads in our 2WD van looking for sites but honestly would not recommend for similar vehicles.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Lauren M., September 19, 2025
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Lauren M., September 19, 2025
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Lauren M., September 19, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2025

A gem for any outdoor enthusiast!

Found this place really by accident just needing a place for the night while passing through. Planning to come back next week to stay a while! So many off road paths, plenty of camping even for my 20ft camper and lots of rock climbing! So excited to come back!

SiteB2
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2024

Beautiful, lots of sites, busy

Spent a night on a nice weekend in late April. Lots of sites, though had to drive around a bit to find one. No one camped in the two spots next to us, so I imagine it gets a lot noisier in the summer. Wide open spaces, cool rocks. A couple vault toilets here and there. lots of ohvs cruising around.

SiteRD10
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by laura S., April 25, 2024
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by laura S., April 25, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2023

Surface of the moon

There are lots of spots to camp and cool areas to hike, UTV and mountain bike. Not too far out of town either.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Taylor H., October 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Taylor H., October 11, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2023

Lots of campsites but far apart

It took a lot of driving to find a campsite open. Midweek on September 20. Not that there aren't a lot of sites, you just have to do a lot of driving. If you arrive at dusk, watch out for bikes and dirtbikes without lights.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2023

Amazing camp site, loud and busy

I love our campsite. We found a nice large flat area all to ourselves. A few people rolled in to the campsites around us and we were far away from the group sites which were loud. Everything was great and a few atvs came by before sundown. Once we went to bed, we were woken up multiple times by people flooring it past us with loud trailers. I understand that happens occasionally but it happened at least once an hour. I am glad it didn’t wake our kid but it was pretty frustrating that people weren’t more considerate coming through in the early hours.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Lara S., July 9, 2023
Reviewed May. 8, 2023

Tons of really beautiful sites

I got out here around 7:30 and got the first one I could find, there’s a bunch of roads so it’s kind of a pick your own adventure deal. ended up about 200 yards from the next site but that didn’t bother me. Gorgeous views of Gunnison! Bathrooms and trash cans at the entrance, if you come in by the airport it’s a steep bumpy road, high clearance recommended.

SiteB2
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Roean A., May 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site by Roean A., May 8, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2021

Unique and basic

Dispersed camping with designated sites off dirt roads. Perfect place to rock climb, hike or dirt bike or ATV.

Month of VisitOctober
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is available at designated sites situated along the network of dirt roads throughout the area. The camping layout is somewhat of a "pick your own adventure" experience, with numerous roads leading to different camping areas. Sites are typically spaced about 200 yards apart, offering some privacy. While there are many potential camping spots, you may need to drive around to find an available site, especially during busy periods. Some areas previously designated for camping (such as site KH6) have been converted to day-use only, so watch for signage indicating where camping is permitted.

What facilities and amenities are available when camping at Hartman Rocks?

Hartman Rocks offers basic facilities for dispersed camping. Vault toilets are scattered throughout the recreation area, and trash cans are available at the entrance. The area features no hookups, running water, or electrical facilities, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies. The terrain is generally flat in designated camping areas, providing good spaces for various camping setups including larger rigs up to 20ft. The natural landscape with interesting rock formations serves as the primary amenity, along with access to recreational trails and stunning views of Gunnison.

How does Hartman Rocks compare to other dispersed camping areas near Gunnison, CO?

Hartman Rocks stands out from other dispersed camping areas near Gunnison with its unique rock formations and expansive trail system. It's notably closer to town than many alternatives, making it convenient for supply runs. The area excels for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, offering excellent mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and OHV opportunities directly from campsites. The designated camping system provides more structure than typical BLM dispersed areas while maintaining a primitive feel. However, Hartman Rocks can get busier and noisier than more remote options, especially during summer months with frequent ATV and dirt bike traffic. The combination of accessibility and recreational opportunities makes it particularly appealing for active campers wanting to stay near Gunnison.